Former Celtics center makes candid admission about Boston teammates after ‘rough’ trade

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Former Celtics center makes candid admission about Boston teammates after ‘rough’ trade

Brian Robb · MassLive

Tue, Jan 27, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Robert Williams took the floor against his old Celtics teammates on Monday night for the first time since being traded from Boston in 2023.

The long-awaited reunion occurred after Williams missed the five previous head-to-head matchups due to injury. Williams entered the game off the bench as Portland ’s first sub in the first quarter, earning a warm ovation from the Garden crowd.

“It’s always love man for the Timelord here,” Williams said. ”That’s where I got my nickname. It’s always love.”

Williams finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and a block in 20 minutes as the Blazers fell 102-94 in Boston. After the loss, Williams reflected on the trade that landed Boston Jrue Holiday back in 2023 and ultimately helped pave the way for an NBA Finals win.

“To be honest, the trade was just tough the first day when I got the call,” Williams said. “Everybody’s first trade is a rough one. It was pretty simple to move on. New team, new organization, still doing the same thing. Like I said, glad to get through the injury to where I am right now.”

The Celtics went on to win the Finals in 2024 without Williams, which left the big man dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I watched the whole Finals,” Williams said. “I watched them win it. Me and my girl, I went through a moment of saying I was happy for my dogs and then I went through, ‘F them.’ It was mixed emotions but I’m glad they did it for sure.”

The future is uncertain for Williams who is now in the final year of his contract in Portland and has been the subject of trade rumors ahead of next week’s deadline. No matter his future, it’s clear that Williams appreciates having the chance to play now after an injury plagued last two years in Portland.

“Honestly man, I’m just glad I’m here,” Williams said. “I’m glad I’m playing back on the court. I got to play against some old friends with my new guys. I’m just happy to be back, I can’t be more blessed.”

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